phelps

today's action has started... and these are the first results... men's Individual Kata Gold Medal match: Ryo Kiyuna vs Damian Hugo Quintero Capdevila Bronze Medal match #1: Yuhei Horiba vs Issei Shimbaba Bronze Medal match #2: Mattia Busato vs Kinjo Arata women's Individual Kumite, -61kg Gold Medal match: Giana Lofty vs Gwendoline Philippe Bronze Medal match #1: Rozita Alipour vs Merve Coban Bronze Medal match #2: Haya Jumaa vs Carolina Videla Toro

yeah, that's the main issue...but, as for what reports have been written, it wasn't the only false step they had to cope with...

the main concept is exactly that... using the most iconic winter sports venues already existing and working in Italy, with the less new buildings as possible (the main expenses would be the re-building of the Cortina Track and the covering of the Baselga Ice Rink...the new big hockey -actually, multi-purpose, of course- arena in Milan is not counted, as it looks that it will be build in any case by private investors, even if Milan doesn't get the honor of hosting the Olympic Games...so, there's no public funding required nor actual relationship with the Games for that)... p.s. Predazzo and Tesero are also "regular" hosts for the Nordic Skiing Worlds (and World Cup/Tour de Ski)... and Livigno, even if they don't normally get involved in the world cup stuff, has one of the most beautiful Snow Park in the Alps, with permanent tracks for most "freestyle" disciplines of ski and snowboard... not to mention Cortina's tradition in Bobsleigh...the new track would follow the course of the old one, just getting renovated according to the more modern security standards (and adapted to Skeleton and Luge requirements, as those 2 disciplines have never been really contested in Cortina, not internationally at least)... in general, all those places are very much familiar with the winter sports world, at least in the past, when not that recently...

well, technically, only Anterselva/Antholz is in South Tyrol... in the picture above there's a map of Northern Italy with all the proposed venues for Milano-Cortina 2026, so to understand where they're located within the Country (just click on it to see a bigger version of the map) p.s. Predazzo is not selected on the map, but basically it's the same place as Tesero, just a few minutes drive down the same road...

final action for today... women's Individual Kumite, -55kg Gold Medal match: Wen Tzu-Yun vs Anzhelika Terliuga Bronze Medal match #1: Valeria Kumizaki vs Taravat Khaksar Bronze Medal match #2: Salma Elshafi vs Fatemeh Chalaki men's Individual Kumite, -75kg Gold Medal match: Luigi Busà vs Bahman Askari Bronze Medal match #1: Rafael Aghayev vs Logan Dacosta Bronze Medal match #2: Thomas Scott vs Alì Asiabari

and yes, he did it...finally, Busà could win a fight against an Iranian guy (and what a win...he destroyed him by superiority, 8-0)... and actually, today he destroyed all of his opponents (another hammer win by 7-0 against Nishimura in the pool final included)... but now things become more serious...as in the gold medal match we're going to look at the 2018 world final's revenge between him and Bahman Askari (also from iran, of course...what else? )

yes, unfortunately it's all true... the final plan presented a couple of weeks ago to the IOC has the following locations: Opening Ceremony: Giuseppe Meazza (AKA San Siro) Stadium in Milan Closing Ceremony: Arena Scaligera in Verona...but the IOC is objecting that it's too small and therefore there are plan B -Arena Napoleonica in Milan (which would take a major renovation and above all, a very difficult renovation, as there are a lot of laws protecting it, being an 18th Century monument) and plan C -San Siro Stadium once again (but the organizers say it's too big for the closing act)...so, this is still to be negotiated... Men's Alpine Skiing: Bormio Women's Alpine Skiing: Cortina Sliding Sports: Cortina Curling: Cortina Snowboard & Freestyle: all in Livigno Biathlon: Anterselva (Antholz) Nordic Skiing & Ski Jumping: Lago di Tesero (Val di Fiemme) & Predazzo (just to use only already existing world class venues) Speedskating: Baselga di Pinè (with the Ice Rink becoming a modern indoor arena, which probably would happen in any case, since the Italian federation does need an indoor rink as the National Training Center) Figure Skating & Short Track Speedskating: Milan (the already existing Forum Milanofiori, which hosted the 2018 figure skating world champs) Ice Hockey: Milan (2 different arenas, 1 still to be built and 1 already existing as a indoor sports hall, but to be deeply renovated to implement the ice surface) that's what's been announced...but I'm pretty sure that with our politicians and sports officials any change is still possible (especially those which could make money end up in their pockets instead of paying for the venues' works )...

still, it's gonna be an amazing fight between the current top 3 in the second run...

yeah, they're very good in the men's lower weights... meanwhile, there's an interesting round #2 match-up in the men's -75kg, with Luigi Busà facing Ali Asiabari...let's see if this time he can overcome his personal late Iranian curse...

men's Individual Kumite, -67kg Gold Medal match: Steven Dacosta vs Didar Amirali Bronze Medal match #1: Stefan Pokorny vs Amir Mirzaei Bronze Medal match #2: Hamoon Derafshipour vs Fahad Alkhathami

in the meantime, we have another class completed... women's Individual Kumite, -50kg Gold Medal match: Kateryna Kryva vs Serap Ozcelik Arapoglu Bronze Medal match #1: Junna Tsukii vs Sophia Bouderbane Bronze Medal match #2: Shara Hubrich vs Reem Ahmed Salama

sure, they are... but name another discipline (except for rhythmic gymnastics, artistic swimming and ice dancing) where in the most important competitions of the year you always (and I underline "always") have the same top 2 and the same eternal bronze medallists... if there's no sign of anything different from time to time, there must be something wrong with this event? or not?

Italy sets the pace in Santa Fe, Italy sets the pace in Santa Fe, double gold for Argentinian hosts in Rosario Stage #1 (Santa Fe, ARG) women's 15km Gold: Barbara Pozzobon Silver: Pilar Geijo Bronze: Romina Imwinkelriedt Full Results: http://www.fina.org/competition-detailed-results/fina-ultramarathon-swim-series-2019-women-open/event men's 15km Gold: Francesco Ghettini Silver: Simone Ercoli Bronze: Edoardo Stochino Full Results: http://www.fina.org/competition-detailed-results/fina-ultramarathon-swim-series-2019-men-open/event Stage #2 (Rosario, ARG) women's 15km Gold: Cecilia Biagioli Silver: Barbara Pozzobon Bronze: Julia Lucila Arino Full Results: http://www.fina.org/competition-detailed-results/fina-ultramarathon-swim-series-2019-women-15km/event men's 15km Gold: Ivo Cassini Silver: Guillermo Bertola Bronze: Joaquin Moreno Full Results: http://www.fina.org/competition-detailed-results/fina-ultramarathon-swim-series-2019-men-15km/event

Season's Calendar

Open Water Swimming FINA Ultra-Marathon World Series 2019 Multi-Stage Event - 2 February 2019 - 7 September 2019 OFFICIAL WEBSITE

First 10km race to be staged in stunning Doha corniche, a qualifiying event to World Championships The first race of the FINA Marathon Swim World Series 2019 is about to take place, once more, at Doha’s stunning Corniche. Extending for seven kilometres along Doha Bay in Qatar’s capital, the Corniche is a waterfront promenade and the centrepiece for the city. The athletes will be competing over the 10km course with four laps of 2.5km. Doha’s central business district and the bold shapes of the Museum of Islamic Art form the stunning backdrop for this race. With two days before the race, training swim sessions took place on the course. Conditions were good with the water temperature in the bay at around 20.5 degrees C and air temp reaching 23 degrees C. With less than five months before the FINA World Championships in South Korea, the first leg of the FINA Marathon Swim Series is important for the swimmers to not only test their own form but also to see how they compare with other swimmers this season. The event is also being used by several countries as a qualifying event for the their national teams to compete in the World Championships. In the 2018 edition of the Series in Doha, the Netherlands reigned supreme with wins from two Olympic Champions: Sharon Van Rouwendaal and Ferry Weertman, although Ferry Weertman will not be competiting this year as he is still on a training camp. This year should be an even bigger test with appoximately 88 male and 60 female athletes from countries all vying for the top positions (the only major absence being the French team). The race will be held on Saturday February 16 at 09:00 (Women) and 13:00 (Men) local time. The top table of the Press Conference hosted by former swimmer Nada Arakji (Qatars’ first female to compete in the Olympics) included Khaleel Al-Jabir (President Qatar Swimming Association), John West (Fina Technical Delegate) and the elite athlete representatives Sharon Van Rouwendaal (NED) and Simone Ruffini (ITA). Khaleel Al-Jabir said: “This year is an important race as it is good preparation for the FINA Open Water World Championships. We are very pleased with the growth in the numbers for this elite race on the Corniche and we are looking forward for the race to start and we wish all the athletes good luck. This is a good step for us as Qatar will host the FINAWorld Championship in 2023 including the Marathon Swimming event, so this helps us prepare towards 2023 and work closely with FINA. We have a lot of local Qatar swimmers, although they are still relatively young at 16 and 17 to be competing against world class athletes such as Sharon Van Rouwendaal and Simone Ruffini, but it is great experience for them and we are expecting a lot for the future.“ John West said: “Over the past few days we have been at the venue reviewing all the arrangements of the competition and we are very pleased with the level of organisation. We would like to thank the Qatar Swimming association for their support in this event.” Sharon Van Rowendaal said: “Conditions are looking really good, I like the water temperature (approx. 20.5 degrees), the course is excellent like last year and its good to be back in Doha. Last year I won this race and I think that I’m feeling really strong, but the other girls will be strong as well. As it’s a qualifying event for some teams, the teams will be strong. It depends on how I feel on the day what my tactics will be, with large numbers you will have to watch what others do and watch out for any breaks in the pack.” Simone Ruffini: “I’m really happy to be here in Doha. I’m feeling strong for this race and as this is a qualifying event for the Italian team for the World Champs, this is very important to me. I’m also happy that there are lots of swimmers in this race." You can follow all the action on FINAtv and get regular updates on FINA social media.

Leading swimmers confirmed for inaugural FINA Marathon Swim World Series 2019 in Doha The FINA Marathon Swim World Series 2019 is just around the corner with the inaugural leg to be hosted in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, February 16th. Entry lists for both the men and women's races includes Olympic and World champions as well as many of the sport's top-ranked athletes. A total of 135 swimmers (84 male and 51 female athletes) from 24 countries have signed up for the first meet of the 10km circuit to be staged at the scenic Doha Corniche. Leading long-distance swimmers taking part are reigning Olympic and World champions Sharon Van Rouwendaal (NED) and Ana Marcela Cunha (BRA), who is also the overall winner of the FINA Marathon Swim World Series 2018, 2014, 2012 and 2010. Other top swimmers include Rio Olympic silver medallist Rachele Bruni (ITA), World Series veteran and European champion Arianna Bridi (ITA) and former World champion Angela Maurer (GER). In the men’s line-up, overall Series winner in 2016 and 2017 Simone Ruffini (ITA), 2018 Series runner-up Jack Burnell (GBR) and Florian Wellbrock (GER) will also be present, while Gregorio Paltrinieri (ITA) and Jordan Wilimovsky (USA) are other strong medal contenders to watch for on Saturday. Germany and Italy have sent the biggest teams – 13 swimmers each – to Doha. USA (12 swimmers), China (11) and Hungary (10) have also arrived in the Qatari capital with big contingents. President of Qatar Swimming Association (QSA) and FINA Bureau member Mr. Khaleel Al-Jabir said that preparations are on track for the competition. “Preparations for the event are progressing well and according to our plans. In few days time, our team will welcome the best open water swimmers of the world in this magnificent set up on the Doha Corniche”. “Doha's competition was a successful opener of the World Series in 2018, setting the pace for the coming meets. 135 swimmers will compete in this year’s event, which will be a new participation record. It will be a promising and exciting competition as many Olympic medallists and World Championships winners will compete in a stunning set up,” he concluded. The 2019 circuit will then move to the Seychelles for a race on May 12. You can follow Saturday's race in Doha live on FINAtv and results will be available on FINA mobile app or on FINA website.

Season's Calendar

Open Water Swimming FINA Marathon World Series 2019 Multi-Stage Event - 16 February 2019 - 29 September 2019 Official Website

meanwhile, the first Kumite classes are also underway... and we already have 1 of them completed (for what concerns today's schedule of the main draw, of course...the medal bouts will be contested on Sunday, as always)... men's Individual Kumite, -60kg class Gold Medal match: Minami Yunosuke vs Darkhan Assadilov Bronze Medal match #1: Angelo Crescenzo vs Kaisar Albyspay Bronze Medal match #2: Eray Samdan vs Majid Hassannia

and here we go... as usual, the first competition of the weekend is the women's Individual Kata... and guess who's made the Gold Medal match? yes, guys! you're all right! it's Kiyou Shimizu vs Sandra Sanchez Jaime and the Bronze Medal matches, of course, feature another bunch of Japanese players and Viviana Bottaro... I'm just asking myself why should they take the disturb of helding the preliminary stages of this discipline? wherever you go, whoever is participating, whatever they're doing...the outcome is always the same!

Karate stars ready to take on #Karate1Dubai Dubai (UAE) hosts the second stop of the 2019 Karate 1-Premier League this weekend. After the successful opening event in Paris (France), the best karatekas in the world are gathering in Dubai from February 15 to 17 to continue the quest to make their Olympic dreams come true. Nearly 800 competitors from 86 countries are registered to participate at the 2019 Karate 1-Premier League Dubai. The universality of the sport and the growing interest of Karate’s major events are once again showcased as karatekas compete for the points to improve their position in the ranking and for the glory of becoming the best Karate athletes in the world. The Karate 1-Premier League Dubai will be another clash between top favourites and the new names in the sport. At the opening event in Paris, five of the current Grand Winners managed to demonstrate their superiority with impressive victories. Serap Ozcelik of Turkey, Gwendoline Philippe and Steven Dacosta of France, and Ayumi Uekusa and Ryo Kiyuna of Japan used their Grand Winners status to reach the top of the podium in Paris. The list of gold medallists in #Karate1Paris was completed with a blend of established stars and upcoming new names. Two-time World champion Kiyou Shimizu of Japan, former Grand Winner Anzhelika Terliuga of Ukraine, and promising karatekas Elena Quirici of Switzerland and Ken Nishimura of Japan were among the big winners in Paris. Now karatekas are hoping to extend their success in Dubai. The last edition of the event was highlighted by the domination of the new Grand Winners. Spain’s Sandra Sanchez, Turkey’s Serap Ozcelik and Eray Samdan, Italy’s Sara Cardin, France’s Alizee Agier, Japan’s Ayumi Uekusa and Azerbaijan’s Rafael Aghayev were the Grand Winners succeeding last year in Dubai. The event is scheduled to start on Friday, February 15 at 09.00 (local time). All the medal bouts will take place on Sunday, February 17 from 10:00 to 16:30 (local times). The last day of competition will be available to a worldwide viewing audience LIVE on karateworld.tv

it's geoblocked...some Irish Basketball Premier League is instead on right now... actually, it's also explained that the event is geoblocked...there's the "é" (= Ireland territory only) symbol on the title of this broadcast...

thanks, fixed...